Fustrated Reds held to a draw by Boro's centre backs.

Middlesbrough 0-0 Liverpool

We were held to a drew by Boro's defence even after we have performed relatively well. Boro dominated the game at start, playing only 1 striker, Yakubu.

But that tactic proved to be effective as he was very strong. A very good target man in my opinion and he held on to EVERY ball given to him. Our defenders also had little time on the ball and they were not used to this approach by Boro.

Whenever our defender had the ball, 3 Boro players would go and pressure them, cut down their time on the ball and thus we'd pass back to the keeper who would pump it and someone in Boro's midfield would gain possesion of the ball. What an evil cycle =\

And that didnt let us play our normal game. From the beginning i watched Liverpool a few seasons ago. Their game was build up from defence to midfield through and fro and somehow we would score.

Our only clear cut chance came when Kuyt and Bellamy linked up well but the former's volley went just wide.

However things started to change after 30 minutes and we started to control after defending waves and waves of Boro's attacks. Reina performed well in that game, saving 2 crosses would would have led to a Boro goal.

Even with Gerrard back into the center midfield area, the combination of Alonso and our captain could NOT control the midfield area. Gonzalez also did badly in the game. Okay i mean, he hasnt showed why he created such a hyped when allowed to join us.

He wasted many balls, too many. His crossing was total bullshit and i really miss Garcia in that side of the pitch or when Harry was still fit and there for us.
All of Gonzalez's cross were either, grounder balls, balls that went into Schwarzer's hands or balls that went into the stands.

What a fugger. Pennant did quite okay in the game with nice dribbling skills and a volley from a tight area.

2nd half started with us kicking off. RB stood stubborn-ly with his formation yet again but however we had a lion's share of the possesion, even more than Boro's in the first half. We charged at them waves after waves but we could not break their solid defenders, Woodgate and Pogetetz.

Boro's players were also physical and strong, proving too much to such of our players. While our defenders had a hard time with Yakubu, our midfielders also had difficult momments with the tough-tackling Boateng.

Gerrard's shot also hit the right hand post but however the whistle was already blown for offside.

We had a scare after Yakubu's header was saved by Pepe Reina and the striker missed the rebound before the ball was cleared by Finnan.

Kuyt and Bellamy were toothless upfront and after such a long wait, RB decided to bring on Crouch.

The Endland forward did more than what Kuyt and Bellamy combined with a header cleared off the line by Jonathon Woodgate. He then had another chance on goal in the dieing few minutes but were saved by Mark Schwarzer.


Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Finnan, Gonzalez, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Bellamy, Kuyt. Subs - Dudek, Crouch, Hyypia, Paletta, Zenden

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Taylor, Pogatetz, Woodgate, Davies, Arca, Boateng, Euell, Morrison, Rochemback, . Subs - Jones, Huth, Cattermole, Mendieta, Maccarone

Referee: L Mason

Conditions: Dry

Attendance: 31424


Player ratings:

Reina 8/10
Solid performance and saved us from many occasions.

Finnan 7/10
Looked fustrated and had problems dealing with Yakubu.

Carragher 7/10
Broke down some of Boro's attacks.

Agger 7/10
Although he was performing well and had a great shot from distance. He wasted many balls at the start and didnt make full use of them when he was the only Liverpool defender with the ball in the whole game.

Riise 7/10
Didnt commit himself infront of defenders and allowed him to win every ball he defended from.

Pennant 7/10
Performed well for the first time this season. But his corners were poorly taken though.

Gerrard 6.5/10
Couldnt look to him for inspiration when we most needed it. Was more defensive than usual.

Alonso 6.5/10
Couldnt play his usual spraying ball game as Boro's midfield was jam-packed with players.

Gonzalez 1/10
Did not give a single good cross other than the last cross of the game which Crouch nearly score from. I think he doesnt eat enough and that explains for his 'strong' kicks. Wasted EVERY corner he took.

Kuyt 6/10
Fustrated and went down easily when tackled. Wasnt his usual self.

Bellamy 6/10
I thought he was rather hardworking at the start but he was silent throughout the game as Boro held a low line.

Subs:

Zenden NA

Crouch 8/10
Did every thing right except not starting the game.

Overall Liverpool performance 6/10

Labels: EPL, Liverpool

Anfield